Diploma in University Sciences

at Red Deer Polytechnic Canada

This program is designed for students who work full-time and study part-time. The Certificate permits part-time students to earn a college credential. Students can also be admitted to the Management Certificate on a full-time basis. You must complete eight business courses as outlined below to be awarded the certificate. To meet graduation requirements, students must complete all courses with a minimum grade of "D" and a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 (62%).

Program Content

• One Accounting Course (except ACCT 075) ACCT 102 Recommended
• One Computing Course (3 or 4 credits) BADM 207 or BADM 210 Recommended
• BUS 303 - Organizational Behaviour
• One Economics Course ECON 101 Recommended
• Four Business Options

Courses are to be selected from those listed under "Business Options" under "Program Content" for the Business Administration Diploma.

RDC Continuing Education course work may be used for up to two-course equivalents. Generally, forty-five hours of approved Continuing Education courses will be considered equivalent to one three credit Business Option course. For students planning to ladder into the Business Administration Diploma, Continuing Education courses will not be accepted for credit. Exceptions to the above are to be approved by the Department.

In this program, you will gain an understanding of the elements of the justice system in Canada, how those elements relate to each other, and how the system works at the local, provincial/territorial, and federal levels. You will learn about the complex origins of crime and criminal behaviour; how to work with other professionals to improve community safety; and how to apply skills in mediation and conflict resolution to communicate effectively in stressful situations. You will also learn about the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the connected contemporary issues within the justice system.

Completing this diploma program will allow you to liaise with working professionals in the justice system and to experience what it means to work in the field through a practicum placement.

Understanding the roles and requirements for a number of justice-related professions will prepare you for entry-level positions in the justice field, or degree completion in a Justice Studies or related undergraduate program.

Our program offers:

• Dynamic learning activities
• Blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills
• Dedicated instructors who will help you succeed
• Practicum placement that will give you experience in the justice field

Program Outcomes
Graduates of the program will develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes that enable them to:

• Employ oral, written, and non-verbal communication strategies that are appropriate for situation and context
• Analyse elements of the justice system and how they relate to one another
• Interpret federal, provincial, and municipal laws in order to apply them within different areas of the justice system
• Assess systemic issues within the justice system that impact the interactions of Indigenous and Non- Indigenous Canadians with the justice system
• Assess societal inequities for their impact on the justice system and its interactions with various populations
• Work collaboratively as a member of a team, program partnership, and/or interprofessional group
• Describe the impact of global issues on the Canadian justice system
• Assess varying sources of information for accuracy and relevance
• Assess issues in the community and work collaboratively with partners to address these issues
• Consistently and coherently apply moral principles to personal and professional practice
• Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct
• Seek new knowledge, skills, and supports to maintain and improve personal physical, spiritual, and psychological well-being holistically

This two-year program prepares students to work within the legal profession as a highly skilled administrative professional providing support to lawyers within law firms, legal departments of corporations and government agencies. Students will develop knowledge and skills in legal terminology and procedures, technology, and communication through the following learning outcomes:

• complete processes and documents related to default judgments and contested actions, collections and chambers applications
• complete processes, searches, documents, and letters related to a variety of real estate purchases and sales
• create wills and enduring power of attorney, personal directives and applications for trusteeship and guardianship
• complete applications for probate and administration
• complete processes and documents for application for divorce, custody, access, support and matrimonial property pursuant to the various family law statutes
• register a variety of types of businesses, and prepare and maintain a corporate minute book
• demonstrate a basic understanding of the Canadian legal system
• demonstrate a basic understanding of criminal law
• identify components of contracts and assemble selected contracts
• create messages, letters and documents with appropriate style and format, using correct grammar and spelling. Proofread and edit own work and the work of others
• complete math calculations common to a law office
• demonstrate technical competence related to information technology commonly used in legal environments
• use interpersonal communication skills to promote positive client relations, resolve conflict and promote a positive team working environment
• demonstrate initiative, attitude and positive presentation of self, appropriate to the legal environments
• behave in an ethical manner based on the Code of Professional Conduct of the Law Society of Alberta
• demonstrate job search skills
• locate, evaluate, select, organize and summarize information using appropriate resources
• identify common problems encountered in the role of legal assistant and demonstrate problem solving strategies
• demonstrate time management and organizational skills.

If you are fascinated by the words and images that we see every day in traditional mass media and social media, and you’re looking for an opportunity to work in a fast-paced career that requires maturity and excellent writing skills, consider the Media Studies and Professional Communication diploma at RDC.
 
In this program, you’ll study how mass media such as television, advertising and even video games influence, and are influenced by, society; you’ll also gain valuable knowledge to help you succeed in a variety of careers that require superior strategic communication skills. The combination of media studies and professional communication will allow you to adapt to an ever-changing job market by giving you strong critical thinking skills, and the tools to create effective messaging for your employer.

Completing the diploma program will open doors to employment in corporate, government, and not-for-profit organizations; graduates can also transfer to several universities to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies or another discipline.

Our program offers

• Small class sizes with dynamic learning activities
• A blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills
• An interdisciplinary approach that equips you to evolve in your career
• Dedicated instructors who will help you succeed
• A practicum placement that will give you experience in the communications field

Program Outcomes

• Demonstrate the oral and written skills necessary to communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively while adapting to different audiences and purposes.
• Employ current qualitative and quantitative research methods in addressing both complex theoretical questions and concrete professional challenges.
• Explain the history and application of communication theories related to topics such as mass media production, new media literacy, intercultural and interpersonal relations.
• Identify historical and contemporary trends and implications of various forms of mass media and technology.
• Apply critical media theory to oral, written and audiovisual communications in order to appraise sociocultural messaging, power dynamics, and bias.

Psychology is the scientific study of thought, emotion, and behaviour; with a focus on the dynamic interplay of biology and environment. Red Deer College offers both Bachelor of Arts in Psychology or Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with the option of pursuing an Honours degree in either program. Students will acquire knowledge of various areas of specialization within Psychology (e.g., social, cognitive, developmental, clinical, neuro/biological, health); embedded within the program are themes of wellness and creative problem-solving. Experiential learning such as community service and applied research provide valuable hands-on exposure to the application of psychology to solve problems and create positive social impact.  Research in and application of psychology are valued within a wide variety of contexts such as universities, schools, hospitals, clinics, legal professions, corporations, and non-profit organisations. Skills developed by psychology students (e.g., critical thinking, academic writing, research and analysis, the scientific method, interpersonal communication, and emotional intelligence) prepare them for future employment in a wide variety of contexts, as well as for graduate level education in psychology or a related field, or for entry into professional programs (e.g., law and medicine).

At the end of the end of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Red Deer College, students will be able to:

• Recognize the provisional nature, inherent complexity, and ambiguity of knowledge.
• Engage in scholarly inquiry to identify and investigate theoretical and applied questions using disciplinary methods and dissemination mechanisms.
• Demonstrate detailed knowledge in one or more specializations and integrate knowledge and perspectives across disciplinary boundaries.
• Demonstrate intellectual integrity and academic accountability.
• Reflect on diverse socio-cultural forces, and the importance of inclusive attitudes and practices.
• Analyse and interpret historical and contemporary events, texts, and data within and across disciplines.
• Demonstrate collaborative, independent, and inclusive attitudes and practices.
• Approach global and local issues from a critical and theoretically informed viewpoint.
• Recognize wellness as part of the human condition.

This two-year Career Development Diploma prepares internationally educated nurses to integrate their prior education into the Canadian health care environment and take on management or leadership roles. Explore foundational business and management concepts and learn how to apply them to challenges faced by both public and private health care organizations.

Graduates of the program will be perfectly positioned to lead their organization in achieving business and strategic goals. The importance of critical thinking and significance of cultural diversity are both emphasized in this immersive and dynamic program. Graduates will also gain valuable strategies for completing the regulatory examination process for professional certification in Canada.

Psychology is the study of mental processes and behavior. RDC special interests include: memory and attention, social psychology, physiological psychology, and anomalous experiences.

Program Content
The below schedule is a general pattern that transfers to the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and the University of Lethbridge. Check the Alberta Transfer Guide for transfer credit information.

Graduates of the four-year Bachelor of Education program (University of Alberta) and the five-year combined degree program (University of Alberta and The University of Lethbridge) are eligible to apply for Teacher Certification in the Province of Alberta and all other provinces. RDC offers up to two years (60 credits) of transferable coursework in these programs.

Your educational experience is further enhanced through active participation in the Education Undergraduate Society (EUS). Membership in this society entitles you to attend conferences, conventions and other activities of the Alberta Teachers' Association.

Sociology is the study of the organization of society and how individuals make sense of their lives and experiences. As an academic discipline, Sociology provides powerful insights into why and how people organize themselves and behave as they do, at work and at play, in families, groups, communities, organizations, and societies. Special interests at RDC include demography, health and wellness, aging, mass media, and popular culture, gender, families, crime and justice, social stratification, poverty, and inequality.

Program Content
The below schedule is a general pattern that transfers to the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and the University of Lethbridge. Check the Alberta Transfer Guide for transfer credit information.